3D Printing Services
We provide additive manufacturing for functional prototypes, fit-check parts, and short-run production. Choose SLA, SLS, FDM, MJF, or metal AM based on material, finish, and strength—then RFQ with CAD and quantity breaks.
3D Printing Processes
SLA 3D Printing
Stereolithography for fine-detail resin parts and smooth surfaces.
- •High detail & smooth finish
- •Clear and engineering resins
- •Fit & cosmetic prototypes
- •Secondary finishing options
SLS 3D Printing
Selective laser sintering for durable nylon parts without supports.
- •PA12 / PA11 powders
- •No support structures
- •Functional prototypes
- •Small production batches
FDM 3D Printing
Fused deposition (FFF) for cost-effective engineering plastics.
- •ABS, PLA, PETG, Nylon
- •Large build envelopes
- •Jigs & fixtures
- •Fast, economical builds
MJF 3D Printing
Multi Jet Fusion for consistent mechanical properties and production-like nylon.
- •PA12 / PA11 / TPU
- •Isotropic strength
- •Repeatable batches
- •Good for bridge production
Metal 3D Printing
DMLS/SLM metal additive for complex geometries hard to machine.
- •Stainless, Al, Ti alloys
- •Internal channels
- •Lightweight lattices
- •Post-machining available
Why Buyers Choose Additive
Practical capabilities for prototypes and bridge runs
Speed to Part
Geometry Freedom
Process Fit
Buyer Support
Common Applications
Product Development
- •Concept models
- •Fit-check assemblies
- •Ergonomic studies
- •Marketing samples
- •Design reviews
Industrial & Fixtures
- •Custom jigs
- •Assembly aids
- •Soft jaws
- •Gauges
- •Protective covers
Electronics & Enclosures
- •Device shells
- •Cable guides
- •Bracket prototypes
- •Heat-resistant housings
- •Connector mockups
Medical Device Dev
- •Form studies
- •Surgical guide prototypes
- •Instrument handles
- •Training models
- •Enclosure pilots
Automotive & Mobility
- •Interior trim pilots
- •Duct prototypes
- •Bracket concepts
- •Sensor mounts
- •Lighting mockups
Low-Volume Production
- •Spare parts
- •Bridge runs before tooling
- •Custom end-use nylon
- •Metal AM brackets
- •Replacement covers
Materials Overview
Resins, powders, filaments, and metal alloys we commonly process
SLA Resins
- • Standard / tough resins
- • Clear / translucent
- • High-temp resins
- • Flexible / rubber-like
- • Castable (on request)
SLS / MJF Powders
- • PA12
- • PA11
- • Glass-filled nylon
- • TPU (MJF)
- • Flame-retardant grades (availability varies)
FDM Filaments
- • PLA
- • ABS / ASA
- • PETG
- • Nylon / PA-CF
- • PC, ULTEM-class (availability varies)
Metal AM Alloys
- • 316L / 17-4 PH stainless
- • AlSi10Mg
- • Ti-6Al-4V
- • Tool steel grades (project-based)
- • Inconel-class alloys (project-based)
Finishes
- • As-printed
- • Bead blast
- • Dye / color
- • Vapor smooth (select plastics)
- • CNC post-machining
Inspection Options
- • Dimensional spot checks
- • First-article notes
- • Material certs when ordered
- • Photos before ship
- • Packaging for export
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 3D printing process should I choose?
SLA for fine detail and smooth cosmetics; SLS/MJF for durable nylon; FDM for low-cost fixtures and large parts; metal AM when you need complex metal geometry. Share CAD and end use—we recommend a process with the quote.
Do you provide 3D printing as a production service?
Yes. We provide additive manufacturing for prototypes and short-run production. For high annual volumes, we often recommend transitioning to CNC or injection molding after design freeze.
What file formats do you accept?
STEP, STL, 3MF, and OBJ are commonly accepted. STEP is preferred when dimensional accuracy matters; STL/3MF work well for print-ready meshes.
What tolerances can additive hold?
Typical polymer AM is often in the ±0.1–0.3 mm range depending on process, size, and orientation. Metal AM may need machining on critical fits. Call CTQs on the drawing.
Can you finish or machine printed parts?
Yes—bead blast, dye, clear coat, and secondary CNC on datums or threads are available depending on process and material.
Is metal 3D printing available?
Yes. We provide DMLS/SLM-style metal additive for stainless, aluminum, and titanium alloys commonly requested for complex brackets and channels. Post-machining and heat treat can be quoted.
How does pricing work?
Quotes are based on volume (bounding box + material), support/post-processing, finish, and quantity. Batch discounts apply for repeating MJF/SLS lots.
Are you claiming aerospace or nuclear certifications for AM?
No. We use soft capability language: we manufacture parts for industrial and commercial buyers. Regulated programs need your own QA plan and any certifications stated explicitly in the PO.
Can AM parts replace injection molding?
For low volumes, yes. For cosmetics and unit cost at scale, molding usually wins after tooling pays back. Many buyers use AM for bridge production while tools are cut.
Where are parts made and shipped from?
Partsproto manufactures in China and ships to overseas buyers. Lead time includes production plus export logistics.
3D printing services hub—what we provide
This hub covers polymer and metal additive paths we provide for prototypes, fixtures, and short-run parts.
Use child pages for process-specific materials and DFM; use this page to pick SLA vs SLS vs FDM vs MJF vs metal AM.
Partsproto quotes from China for overseas buyers—process recommendation, finish options, and export packing are part of the conversation.
- → Need parts before hard tooling exists
- → Complex geometry that is costly to machine
- → Low-volume nylon or resin end-use parts
- → Metal parts with internal channels or lattices
How a 3D printing order runs
Process select
Match geometry, strength, and finish to SLA, SLS, FDM, MJF, or metal AM.
DFM & orientation
Walls, holes, supports, and build orientation reviewed with the quote.
Print & post
Build, depowder/cure/support removal, and agreed finishes.
Inspect
Spot checks on CTQs; FAI notes when ordered.
Pack & ship
Export-ready packaging to your overseas warehouse.
DFM tips before you RFQ additive
- •Call minimum wall thickness and hole sizes—each process has different limits.
- •Mark cosmetic faces and critical fits; AM shrinkage and layer lines vary.
- •For assembly, leave clearances larger than CNC norms unless post-machining.
- •Name material grade and any heat/chemical exposure early.
- •If annual volume will grow, ask about a CNC or molding transition path.
Inspection & QC
- ✓Visual check for build defects and finish class.
- ✓Dimensional spot checks on critical features when specified.
- ✓Material lot notes when powders/resins require traceability.
- ✓Optional post-machining inspection on metal AM datums.
- ✓Photos before overseas shipment on request.
Lead time & batch sizing
Simple polymer prototypes often ship in a few business days after DFM freeze; complex metal AM and large batches take longer. Ask for 1 / 10 / 50 / 200 quantity breaks. Finish steps (dye, polish, CNC) add calendar time.
Ready to Start a 3D Printing Project?
Send STEP/STL, material preference, finish notes, and quantity—we return process recommendation and lead-time guidance.